Give your skin a facial while you sleep

Share

Looking after your skin can feel like a chore, but the good news is the products you apply before bed are some of the hardest working ones around – so make them and your pre-bed beauty routine count! Here are the steps you need to take before bedtime to sleep your way to better skin.

1

Wash and scrub

A clean face is essential, as clogged pores and dull skin will ultimately lead to accelerated skin ageing. You also need to exfoliate your face at least three times a week (or daily if you are 40-plus) to remove dead skin cells gently, or those products you apply later will not be absorbed efficiently. Try Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil for your nighttime cleanser of choice.

2

Moisturise

Choose an anti-ageing moisturising routine with hyaluronic acid, which is a potent, natural humectant that helps your skin hold onto water so it looks smoother in the morning. Try Avène PhysioLift Smoothing Regenerating Night Balm. Alternatively, choose a moisturiser with retinol, but go easy. Start slowly – use it every second or third night to see if you have a reaction, and use it on dry skin, not damp, to maximise the effect. Try Palmer’s Multi-Effect Perfecting Facial Oil.

3

Apply a mask

An overnight mask will do wonders for restoring hydration and giving skin a rich dose of nourishing ingredients. Use twice a week, or more if needed. For brightening skin and targeting blemishes in one, try 3CE White Milk Sleeping Mask.

4

Stay hydrated

Keeping a humidifier in the room will hydrate your face and body while you sleep as it releases moisture into the air. This will keep skin plump and prevent dehydration, especially in winter when skin is prone to being drier. Try Homedics Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.

5

Sleep softly

Invest in a silk pillowslip, which will help prevent those pesky sleep creases you see upon waking. And, as a bonus, it will also keep your hair strands smooth and shiny rather than rough-looking by morning, says celebrity hairstylist Anthony Nader. Try Shhh Silk Pillowcase.